Dissertation Title: The impact of habitat disturbance on the feeding ecology of the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka (Propithecus edwardsi) in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar
Current Employment: Associate Professor, California University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, California, PA 15419
Dr. Arrigo-Nelson studies the effects of habitat disturbance on animal behavior and ecology. Specifically, she is interested in how animals respond to disturbance by changing their diet and/or social behavior. She is also interested in social dominance,the role of age and sex in behavior, and how predators and parasite infections alter behavior. For her dissertation, she conducted a long-term study (2001-2004) of the effects of habitat disturbance on the Milne-Edwards sifaka at two research sites (Talatakely and Valohoaka) within the Ranomafana National Park in Madagascar. She is currently involved in documenting the impact of invasive rats and mice on the native rodent population of Ranomafana National Park, focusing on the Vohiparara study site. These projects include forest quality assessments and forest regeneration, examining animal densities, ranging patterns and habitat use using GIS technology, documenting animal feeding ecology, socioecology and social behavior, demography and reproduction, parasitism and predator-prey relationships.